CM's peace claim detached from reality: AMUCO
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 06 2024: The Chief Minister's claim that "peace has returned" in Jiribam seems to be politically motivated and detached from the ground reality, said Pratap Leishangthem, general secretary of All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO) .

He said this during his visit to several relief camps opened in Jiribam.

Hundreds of civilians, who houses have been burnt and located in vulnerable areas are taking shelter in different relief camps opened at Bidyanagar Multi Sports Complex (Indoor Hall), Chingdong Leikai Upper Primary School, Sorok Atingbi High School, Jiribam Higher Secondary School, Children Home, Harinagar etc.

Pratap and other members of AMUCO and several civil organisations visited and inspected the conditions of the relief camps.

Speaking to reporters during a visit to a relief camp, Pratap said while the violence first broke out in Manipur on May 3, 2023, it spread to Jiribam a year later on June 7 .

Throughout the one year of the violent conflict, Jiribam remained relatively peaceful.

Violence broke out in the district after a Meitei man was killed by suspected Kuki militants on June 6 .

More than a hundred houses have been burnt in the district, and people in thousands are taking shelter at relief camps.

When people have lost their homes and the tension is high in Jiribam, Chief Minister N Biren claimed that peace has returned in Jiribam.

His statement seems to be politically motivated.

The reality is otherwise, Pratap said.

He said the Chief Minister's statement may be based on "their policy", but AMUCO's assessment of the situation in Jiribam differs from that of the CM's."If peace had indeed returned [to Jiribam], then the situation would have been different.

Whether there is peace or not is for the people to decide," Pratap said.

He further stated that AMUCO and other civil bodies are visiting the relief camps to assess the conditions of the inmates and provide assistance.

He added that the committee will continue to visit the camps and provide all possible assistance.

Urging the displaced folks not to lose hope, Pratap said the challenges before the people of the State must be faced head-on unitedly.

Any policy of the Government of India that undermines the people's aspiration must be faced unitedly, he said.

Commenting on the hardships people are facing in Jiribam, Pratap said he is disappointed to learn about the sorry state of the District Hospital.

The District Hospital lacks required healthcare facilities.

It must be improved to cater to the needs of the people of the district, he said, seeking the attention of the Chief Minister.

AMUCO advisor Ito Tongbram and members of Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur, All Manipur Women's Voluntary Association (AMAWOVA), All Manipur Meitei Pangal Clubs Organisation (AMMPAL), All Jiribam United Clubs' Association, All Jiribam Meira Paibi and All Manipur Women's Voluntary Association (AMAWOVA) Jiribam branch were among those who visited the relief camps.

The organisations provided relief materials and other assistance to the displaced folks in the camps.

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